Corn Plant Maturity. II. Effect on In Vitro Cellulose Digestibility and Soluble Carbohydrate Content

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Abstract
The digestibility of corn plant cellulose by rumen microorganisms in vitro (IVCD) and the soluble carbohydrate content were determined on corn stalks and leaves at several stages of maturity. These constituents were studied with respect to their fate during the ensiling process and the resultant nutritive value of the silage. IVCD of stalk cellulose declined until about 10-15 days posttasseling after which it remained relatively constant until frost. IVCD of leaf cellulose was higher than stalk cellulose and declined slowly throughout the entire period. The soluble carbohydrate of corn stalk tissue increased rapidly from tasseling to a maximum in late August and thereafter declined to final maturity. Soluble carbohydrates in leaf tissue followed the same pattern but were lower than in stalk tissue. A major protion of the soluble carbohydrates disappeared in the ensiling process. Sufficient carbohydrates were present at all maturity stages to promote proper ensiling. Ensiling did not appear to lower the IVCD.

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